Lyon
Viking Burgundy Saône-Rhône River Cruise

ABOVE: One section of a monumental trompe l'oeil building mural by Cité de la Creation in Lyon.

Lyon, France

Continued from: Macon

Sleep for less in Lyon.
Check Venere's Lyon hotel listings for competitive rates.

The Viking Burgundy departed Macon at 1 a.m., traversing several locks on its way to Lyon (where the Saône merges with the Rhône, France's most powerful river). The ship reached Lyon before breakfast and docked next to the Pont de l'Université, directly across from the island between two rivers that forms the heart of France's second-largest city.

Our morning was occupied by a city tour of Lyon. We started with a visit to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere, a grandiose 19th Century monument to the Virgin Mary that offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city. Next came a walk through le Vieux Lyon ("Old Lyon"), with enough free time for a visit to the Cathedral. The buses got everyone back to the ship in time for lunch; the afternoon was free, although Viking did lay on a shuttle bus for those who didn't feel like walking or taking public transportation to the Place des Terraux at the far end of downtown.

We skipped the afternoon shuttle and walked around the city, eventually taking the Métro to the transportation complex around the Gare de Perrache railroad station. Later, after dinner, we walked to a newer section of Lyon until it began raining, when we caught a tram back to the ship.

For guests who felt like staying up late and paying extra, Viking offered an optional night tour for €35 that involved a bus ride to various illuminations around the city. (Since 1989, Lyon has had a "Public Lighting Plan" with more than 150 buildings, plazas, and monuments being lit in creative ways. If you're visiting Lyon independently, ask the tourist office or your hotel concierge for a schedule of guided "Lyon, Ville Lumière" tours.)

To learn more about Lyon, see:

Cruise Photos: Lyon europeforvisitors.com
These are from the 169 images in my Viking Burgundy Photo Gallery.

Lyon Convention and Visitors Bureau

Next page: Vienne

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